China
Despite of a very average quality, the Chinese coffee is on demand and appreciated especially by Americans. The cultures are located in the mountainous region of Yunnan, furrowed by the valleys of the Red River and Mekong. Yunnan is a variety which ensures a rich drink, vigorous and not very acid.
Production or export statistics are not available for China, since this country is not member of l' ICO.
India
India is also part of the countries which satisfy the world needs. The Indian coffee, with the delicate and pleasant taste, is cultivated in several qualities: robusta, Moussoned, Arabica, Cherry, Arabica Moussoned. Two varieties arise: Mysore and the Hefty with its full and delicate taste.
Altitude of the cultures: Arabica: 900 to 1800 m. Robusta: 300 to 900 Mr.
Period of harvest: Arabica: October to February; Robusta: November to March.
In 2007, India produced 4.148.000 bags and exported 3.070.000 of them (an increase of export of 2,10%, but a production decrease bof18% compared to 2006). In 2008, the production slightly increased to reach the 4.372.000 bags.
Indonesia
Arabica and Robusta coffee plantations. The best variety found is called Mandheling.
Java (Island)
Island of 132.000 km ² and populated with 112 million people (205 million for Indonesia), the island of Java is 1.000 km long and 180 km broad. The hydrographic network is directed towards north. The line of volcanos is located in the south. The Western part makes up of alluvial plains surrounded by volcanos, the central part is the historical heart of the island.
Cultivated qualities: Robusta and few Arabica varieties which are aromatic and very soft, with spicy notes such as Jampit, Blawan, Kayumas and Pancur. Liberica is excellent for blends.
The Dutch explorers brought Arabica trees in Java when they occupied the Eastern half of the island of New Guinea (the another half constituting an Indonesian province) in the XVIIe century. The island became the world leader of the coffee production until 1870. That year, the parasites completely destroyed the industry. During WWII, the plantations were, once again, afflicted by diseases. Later, coffee has been cultivated again, using plants more resistant to the diseases, but of lower quality. The grounds of Java bathe in water thus acidity of the coffee is increased, it gives the coffee a more shinny aspect and it harvest is faster. Some coffees are preserved out in warehouses during two to three years and are sold as Old Java. This process makes the coffee lose its acidity and gives it a more decided body and a softer taste.
Sumatra (Island)
Sumatra is located right on the Equator (Latitude 0). Its 443.065 km ² make of it the sixth biggest island of the world. Sumatra counts 45 millions inhabitants. On December 26, 2006, the north-western coasts were devastated by a tsunami of ten meters in height, caused by an earthquake on the west coasts. This catastrophe caused the death of 281.566 people in the Indian Ocean.
Two of the best coffees in the world come from Sumatra: Mandheling and Ankola. Both are produced by the dry method. The quality of the coffees coming from Sumatra is the result of manual picking method. Their flavor is strong and persistent.
In 2007, Indonesia produced 7 100 000 bags (an increase of 4,88 % compared to 2006) and exported 4 120 000 bags (a decrease of 28,26 % compared to the previous year). The year 2008 made a great stride with a coffee production of 8.638.000 bags.
Philippines
The production of coffee in the Philippines also contributes to the world needs. Thanks to the advantageous geographical position of the country, the Filipino coffees satisfy most of the American and Japanese markets.
Philippines produce approximately 300.000 bags since 2000. The coffee production in this area of the world tends to increase considerably since 2007, year when the production exceeded the bar of the 400.000 bags (431 000 bags). In 2008, the production reached new tops with a production of 700.000 bags.
Thailand
Thailand produces mainly Robusta varieties.
In 2007, Thailand produced 653.000 bags, a decrease of 14,75% over 2006. The year 2008 has proven better, with a production of 825.000 bags.
Timor
Like Papua-New-Guinea, Timor competes with its neighbors. Despite of a poor production d' Arabica, the country produces an excellent strong coffee.
With a miserable production of 7.000 bags in 2000, Timor tends to increase its production towards more considerable quantities. In 2007, the country produced 37.000 bags and the production increased the following year with 46.000 bags.
Vietnam
French missionaries introduced coffee in Vietnam around 1865. The production is negligible until 1980. Since 1990, the production grows considerably, making of Vietnam the first world exporter of Robusta.
In 2007, Vietnam produced 16.467.000 bags, a decrease of 14,85% compared to 2006. In 2008, Vietnam still has a production decrease, ending up to 16.000.000 bags.
Yemen
The coffee knowed today as Mocha grows in Yemen. The name comes from the port where the coffee was dispatched in the past. The chocolate flavor is typical to one of the oldest coffees of the world: the Arabian Mocha. this coffee is known on the market as Mattari and Sannani. Mattari has a full body and a chocolate taste; Sannani has a marked presence and a tasty acidity.
The production of Robusta in Yemen, in 2007, was 197.000 bags. Close to have doubled in 2008, the production reached the 300.000 bags.